Licensing & Permitting

Business Licenses

In order to engage in business within the City of Sandpoint, a complete business license application and fee ($50.00) must be submitted to the City Clerk's office at least ten (10) days prior to the date the business will commence. This license shall be in addition to any other license or permit required and shall be valid from the date it is issued through December of that same year, so long as the ownership, nature of the business, and location of the business remain unchanged. Renewal reminders are mailed the middle of December. Timely payment of the renewal fee ($25.00) is all that is required to renew your license; you do not need to complete a new license application for renewal unless your business has moved to another location within Sandpoint or ownership has changed.

General Business License

Before conducting business in Sandpoint, it is highly recommended that you contact the City Planning Department to check zoning regulations in the area of town where you will be doing business. You can reach the Planning Dept. at 263-3370 or by email here.

Temporary Business License

Temporary business licenses are required for special events and valid for no more than four (4) days. Those who possess a City of Sandpoint general business license are exempt from obtaining a temporary business license. Vendors participating in Farmers' Market, Pend Oreille Arts Council arts and crafts fair, The Festival at Sandpoint, the county fair, or any other sanctioned event on public property are also not required to obtain a license.

1% City Sales Tax

If you are a retailer selling within Sandpoint city limits, in addition to the Idaho state sales tax, you also need to collect and remit the voter approved 1% City sales tax. Click here for the tax permit application.

7% Short-term Occupancy Tax

This voter approved, local tax applies to occupancy and temporary lodging of thirty (30) days or less. Types of businesses subject to the tax include, but are not limited to hotels, motels, condominiums, tourist homes, and bed & breakfast establishments. The tax collected is paid to the City of Sandpoint on or before the 20th of the month following collection. For more information, see here.

Alcohol Beverage License

A Sandpoint Retail Alcohol Beverage License is required to sell wine, beer and/or liquor within city limits. To obtain a Sandpoint Alcohol Beverage License, you must first obtain your State and County licenses, which must be presented to the City when applying for the City license.

Retail Alcohol Beverage License Application(This is a fillable form. You may type directly in the form, then print, or you may print the blank form and fill it out in pen. Bring your completed application to the City Clerk's Office.)

The same form is used whether applying for the first time or renewing your license.

Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit

An alcohol beverage catering permit authorizes alcohol licensees to serve and sell liquor by the drink, beer and/or wine at a party, reception, convention, or other special event for up to three consecutive days. If you possess an alcohol license and need to apply for an alcohol catering permit, please call the City Clerk's office 263-3317 or click here to e-mail.

Parade / Public Assembly Permit

A permit is required for a parade or for public assembly defined by City Code Title 6, Chapter 6.

Please note that each peddler/solicitor must register individually. In addition, the company employing the solicitor must be licensed as a business with the City of Sandpoint. Click here for the business license application form.